Zoya Naseem

Class of 2026
Major:  Bioengineering
Hometown: Laurel, MD

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
There are two main reasons why I wanted to become a ClarkLEADER. Firstly, I absolutely love the Clark School community. Everyone here has such unique interests, and there's a genuine drive to learn and improve. It's a truly inspiring environment.

Secondly, when I first came to UMD, I felt a bit lost. The workload seemed overwhelming, and I felt like everyone around me was so much smarter. But what really helped me turn things around was reaching out for help. Office hours, TAs, and upperclassmen were all incredibly supportive, and that made a huge difference.

Becoming a ClarkLEADER is a way for me to give back to that supportive community. I want to be a resource for new students, just like my upperclassmen were for me.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
QUEST Honors Program: It's a unique opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams with students from different majors. You'll tackle real-world problems for real clients, which is a fantastic way to build your adaptability, communication, and interpersonal skills. Plus, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for what other majors bring to the table (trust me, I have a newfound respect for business majors after my QUEST experience!)

First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE): It allows you to gain research experience from the get-go, working alongside professors and other undergrads on cutting-edge projects. There's definitely a learning curve at the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, it's an amazing place to grow and develop your skills. Plus, you'll build strong relationships with mentors and peers, which can be invaluable for future opportunities.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering students?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! When I first started, I felt like everyone else was way ahead of me. But the reality is, most people feel that way at some point. The Clark School has amazing resources available—office hours, TAs, and upperclassmen who have all been through it before. Utilize those resources! Everyone here wants to see each other succeed.